Wind turbines planned for Meaford
Posted by John Malloy on 10/25/2010
By Don Crosby
The latest wind turbine project in Grey County is planned for Meaford.
International Power Canada is looking at 29 sites in an area between Balaclava and Annan four kilometres north of Highway 26 and 16 kilometres north east of Owen Sound.
The Silcote Corners wind project would produce a maximum of 46.8 megawatts of electricity. It calls for generators each with a capacity of 1.8 megawatts, access roads, a sub station and an electrical collecting system to bring the electricity to the grid.
Planning has been underway since 2007 with environmental studies to determine the effects on the local flora and fauna.
“Obviously we need to know where we can be and where we need to avoid,” said Tim Sullivan, manager of field operations.
“We can’t go over 46.8 megawatts which is actually 26 towers.” I’ve allowed for a few spares so if we can’t use one location we can use another.”
Sullivan said option agreements have been signed with a number of property owners in the area. The project still doesn’t have approval by the Ministry of the Environment or a contract with the Ontario Power Authority.
“We haven’t been awarded a contract with the province so until that time we’re going to continue to proceed with our development. You prepare your project and hope you will be awarded a contract but there is no guarantee of that,” said Sullivan, who doesn’t expect construction to begin before 2012 at the earliest.
IPC, which is a British based corporation, has other wind energy projects in southern Ontario including, Grey Highlands and the Ripley area.
Andre Den Tandt, a landowner in the area, characterizes the proposal as an aesthetic disaster.
“I think it’s one of the most beautiful areas of southern Ontario. I know anyone who rejects (wind turbines) is accused of NIMBYism. I accept that charge partly,” said Den Tandt, who lives on the Concession 2 of the former Sydenham township less than a kilometre from the proposed project boundary.
via Wind turbines planned for Meaford – Owen Sound Sun Times – Ontario, CA.
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John Malloy on 10/25/2010. Filed under
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